The Celtics are in an all-hands-on-deck situation right now. An uncharacteristic set of performances finds the Knicks two games to the good, heading into a double-header at MSG. These are the games when your big men step up. In particular, the trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. But past woes are resurfacing, especially to do with their star center. And just in time for Game 3, Boston HC Joe Mazzulla has clarity over the real issue on his hands.

KP’s been dealing with an illness all season. It got better, then worse, then better, and it’s just shown itself again. And as it turns out, it’s not small- to the point where it impacts his fatigue and his breathing. Ahead of Game 3, it appears that Boston understands Porzingis’ situation and is treating him appropriately. Coach Mazzulla gave an update on the Latvian’s health, listing him as questionable for the game on Saturday evening.

This couldn’t come at a worse time for the Greens. Going 2-0 down puts a dent in their hopes of defending their title. And how can they do that without their star defender? Kristaps Porzingis really suffered in both the games so far- recording just 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist in just a combined 27 minutes on the floor. Fans wondered what happened – now they know. Luckily, they do have two days until that blockbuster at the Garden, which Mazzulla is hoping would be enough of a rest.

No NBA team has ever come back from a 0-3 record in a playoff series. And that’s the reality that might be staring the Celtics in the face come Satuday evening. But who better than Beantown to break that record, right? They already have the most rings in history – might as well get their 19th in style.

Kristaps Porzingis was battling an illness. So his performance could be excused. But the man on the other side of the boat is Jayson Tatum, who is under a great deal of scrutiny after two underwhelming and uncharacteristic evenings. But is that justifiable enough to question his legacy in the NBA?

Jay Williams hits back at fans questioning Jayson Tatum’s NBA career

JT has been hated for years now. It seems like the Celtics forward just can’t get the public to sway towards him right now. The media has repeatedly questioned his playstyle for what is believed to be a lack of toughness. The story is straightforward: Tatum takes the easy road when confronted with tough defense, limiting his potential to take over games. But there’s one man still on Tatum’s side – and that’s former Bulls point guard Jay Williams.

“There’s a lot of people out there questioning the legacy of Jayson Tatum. And just let me say for the record, his damn legacy is cemented. Is it complete? No, it’s not. But we are talking about a guy who’s an NBA champion,” said Williams on First Take. You might hate him, but you have no choice but to respect him.

JT’s let the team to five consecutive conference finals – two of them leading to the NBA finals, and one of those leading to the championship. At this point, the only way to bring the plaudits back is to lead the team to a comeback and win the next four games. Convincingly. And that’s the only way Jayson Tatum knows.

“We’re talking about a guy who’s an NBA conference final, Eastern conference finals MVP, and a guy who has the most 50 point games in Celtic playoff basketball history, history. So seeing people out there talking about, well, this is what Steve Kerr was talking. This is the narrative that’s, that’s BS man, stop. Lose me with all that,” concluded Williams. But getting it done without the Unicorn will be an even taller task.

Kristaps Porzingis will be a huge miss. This period till the game will be the reckoning days for the Greens. Is it too early to count them out of the series? Absolutely- and JT has a lot to say on this matter. Do you think a KP-less Celtics have what it takes to reach the ECF?